FRESNO, Calif. –  Despite a valiant comeback effort, the Fresno Pacific women's water polo team fell just short on Saturday against Cal State East Bay, 12-11, in an overtime thriller.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUPS:
Final: Cal State East Bay 12, Fresno Pacific 11
Box Score
Records: CSUEB (1-0), FPU (0-4)
Location: Fresno, Calif. | Sunnyside Aquatics Center
Series: FPU trails 20-0
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• After a tight first half, the Sunbirds found themselves down 9-6 with six minutes to play. FPU managed to fight all the way back, tying the game with 2:45 left to force overtime.  
• Sam Witt and Amy Zaninovich each found the back of the net to open the first overtime period as the Sunbirds jumped ahead 11-9.
• The Pioneers followed with three straight goals, however, to escape Fresno with the victory.
 
STATS:
• FPU's Sam Witt led all scorers with five goals, while also adding a pair of assists. Savannah Mangrum totaled two goals and two assists, Emma McBride found the back of the cage twice and Zaninovich amassed a goal and two assists in the setback for the Sunbirds.
• Madeline Frey headed the FPU defense and totaled 11 saves.
• The 'Birds held CSUEB to 0-for-8 on power-play opportunities.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• Cal State East Bay is currently receiving votes in the national poll.
 
SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds | Instagram - @fpusunbirds | Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
UP NEXT:
• FPU now faces crosstown-foe Fresno State on Friday, Feb. 8 at 5:30 p.m. at the Fresno State Aquatics Center.